ST. THOMAS – Chief of Police Rodney Querrard joined other VIPD officers for a commencement celebration at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School to honor twenty-seven (27) students who successfully completed the VIPD youth focused criminal justice program The Law and You. Implemented and led by School Security Officer Roy Chesterfield, the program provides high school students with a hands-on look into the criminal justice process via a four week interactive course.

Chief Querrard used the opportunity to congratulate the students and encouraged them to spread the messages and lessons they absorbed during the program and continue to cultivate the partnership they have forged with the law enforcement community, “Each of you has a responsibility to share and implement what you’ve learned in this program. Knowing the legal consequences that could result from unlawful behavior is only the beginning.”

Chief Querrard also praised the continued dedication and leadership of Officer Chesterfield, who developed and began implementation of this program in 1999. “On behalf of the entire department I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to Ofc. Chesterfield. Without your vision, loyalty to these young people and continued hard work, this program would not be the success it is today.” Querrard said.

The VIPD’s The Law and You program was designed to increase students’ knowledge of the Criminal Justice System and help the territories youth become active partners with local law enforcement. The program consists of classroom instruction, guest speakers from various branches of the law enforcement community and field trips to the Criminal Justice Complex on St. Thomas where students get up close and personal with the inner-workings of the Criminal Justice System. During their time in the program IEKHS students visited the Bureau of Corrections facility, the Medical Examiners Office, and participated in moot court proceedings. Students must also pass a series of exams testing their knowledge of the legal process.

The twenty-seven students who successfully negotiated the latest course received certificates of completion at a special breakfast awards ceremony.

The Law and You Contributing Officers

• Ofc. Roy Chesterfield – VIPD School Security Bureau/Program Coordinator
• Chief Rodney Querrard – Chief of Police (St. Thomas/St. John/Water Island District)
• Ofc. Allen Nibbs – Bureau of Corrections (Scared Straight Program)
• Agent Walter Freeman – Virgin Islands Drug Enforcement Bureau
• Agent Dwight Griffith – Virgin Islands Drug Enforcement Bureau

> Law & You Program page